3. Noteble Noble Families in Peltarch

Noteble Noble Families in Peltarch


  • ((IG THREAD! If you want to create a noble family in Peltarch, write up and send the family history and lore in the state of an IC story as forum PM to Linah))


  • Von Ulgath

    The Von Ulgath family is a relatively young one in the larger sense of Peltarch's history. The elder Von Ulgath, Mikhail, arrived in Peltarch roughly 25 years ago, supposedly bringing with him great wealth from days of adventuring in Rashemi wilds and the Hordelands.

    He bought a large estate within the Civic District and in the early years attempted to integrate into the Peltarch social structure but did not have the social skill for such an endeavor. His wife, Elizia, however took to the life of a socialite quickly and remained a public figure in the Civic District social circles while her Husband became a recluse.

    Five years after the couple arrived to the city two large happenings occurred in the Von Ulgath family. Early in the year Elizia gave birth to a son and heir to their families estate and wealth. Towards the end of the year Elizia reportedly perished of a debilitating disease.

    Since that point not much has been heard from the Von Ulgath family. Mikhail comes out rarely, generally only for important Peltarchan events. His servents recover everything needed for the estate from outside vendors. His son, Johnathan, was enrolled in the Bardic College for some years as a youth and does venture out at times; however be it for his own desires or his father's rules, he is only barely seen out more than his father.


  • House Borodin

    Family Crest

    An open hand with a golden key in its palm, in a field of red.

    History

    “Mind-benders”. “Vipers”. “Thayvian scum”. The Common folk know House Borodin under many names, reflecting the silent distrust many of the citizens of Peltarch hold towards the unassuming, quiet members of this small noble line. House Borodin is often confused for a merchant family or a coven of magic-users due to its small size and structure; however, these rich gem merchants of Damaran origin are of ancient noble blood.

    House Borodin is one of the newest noble houses of the city, arriving with the many inmigrants who poured into Peltarch from Damara after Gareth Dragonsbane’s unification in 1359. Yvan Borodin, an old yet lesser baron of the north who lost his lands to the hordes from Vaasa, settled in Peltarch together with his family in that year, dealing with jewellery and using his knowledge of the popularity of the famed Damaran Bloodstone gems to quickly make a fortune as a gemcutter and merchant. Yvan quickly became notorious for his outspoken opposition to the new Damaran monarchy, and was rumoured to have financed and launched a couple of failed mercenary expeditions which he recruited in the Peltarch taverns and docks to march against what he deemed the “usurper of the Damaran throne”.

    Yvan’s overwhelming ambition to destroy the new Damaran monarchy, combined with his wealth and his contacts among the wave of likeminded inmigrants, soon gave him the economic and social base to enter the arena of politics. He married into the minor and very much ruined House of Valuant, tying his children and brothers with the local Peltarch nobility, and made it to the senate house in barely 10 years. During the last years of his life, Yvan secluded himslef in his family estate to study magic, leaving his eldest son Pavel in charge of the day-to-day runnings of the House, not before founding the House Borodin trading coster, a merchant organisation ran almost exclusively by the family that groups all their businesses in one single organisation.

    Pavel Borodin inherited the Borodin Coster as well as his father’s eye for business, and combined them with a thorough study of magic. What began as a mere interest soon solidified into a tradition, and ever since his days, most elder children of the Borodin family are trained in sorcerous magic, generally excelling as enchanters and dedicating their arcane abilities to spells that involve manipulation and perception. The Borodin family has lost their power-base in the Senate, but have always been politically active as advisors to those in government. Many Senatorial parties in Peltarch have a Borodin among their number.

    The family has earned a reputation for ruthless pragmatism and cut-throat inner struggles for power due to a number of rumours and speculations that have arisen about them. The fact that many of them shave their heads and dress in red robes have made many commoners whisper that they have ties to the Thayvians. Others rumour that the Borodin family is a coven of necromancers, serving an undead master and the dreaded Velsharoon. The fact that they are open about their manipulative nature, especially due to the magical training they concentrate in, has also led many to believe that a Borodin is an untrustworthy liar. A few of their number have died in strange circumstances, further fuelling dark rumours and superstitious talk about them.

    Despite all this, the merchant-sorcerers of House Borodin have prospered throughout the years maintaining an image of solicitous service to the powers that be. Occasionally, the long-lived Igor Borodin organises a ball or some other event to raise more funding for the expeditions he finances to Damara, and House Borodin becomes the centre of attention again for a month or two. In the meantime, the Borodin family runs their merchant coster with great care and discretion.

    The Present

    Today the quiet folk of House Borodin can be found either at the head of trading ventures or participating actively in the Senate as advisors. Some of the most traditional of them shave their heads and don the solemn red robes of the family as many have done before them, but as the younger generations succeed each other the tradition is slowly being lost. After all, the younger merchants of the House are primordially interested in making coin, not keeping traditions.

    As to notable members of the family, perhaps the following have been the most noteworthy:

    Igor Borodin: The Patriarch of the family. A gaunt, bald-headed man of strong presence, Igor has been at the head of House Borodin for the last 120 years. Even though he shows signs of his age, his eyes are still keen and his voice laced with the subtle command that has won him so many clients and powerful friends among senators and merchants. He seldom leaves the family estate, and his longevity, coupled with his recent isolation, has given rise to all kinds of dark rumours about sinister practices in the walls of the Borodin estate.

    Grigor Borodin: Eldest and only surviving son of Igor, Grigor runs the Borodin merchant relations and their businesses. He is a man in his late fourties, solemn and imposing, very much like his father in his most youthful days, and widower of the late Lady Lannita d’Arneau. Grigor has kept a relatively low profile until the death of his wife, the beautiful and popular Lannita d’Arneau, murdered horribly in an alley close to the Bardic College some ten years ago. His wife’s brutal death shocked the city, for she was well-known among nobles and commonners alike as a charitable woman, very much at odds with the Borodin House into which she married.

    Vlana Borodin: Vlana is Grigor’s younger sister, a beautiful woman in her mid twenties. Her cold demeanor and cruel beauty has made her a very visible member of the noble house, known to most as a reputed manipulator and skilled sorceress. Vlana uses her knowledge of the arcane and her insightful mind to hatch the most complex webs of intrigue and deception for the benefit of the House. Her characteristic raven-black hair and silken red robe can often be spied in the finest circles of high society, her smooth voice and viper tongue ready to wreak havoc where needed.

    Stanislav Borodin: Grigor and Lannita’s only son and heir to the House, young Stanislav is the black sheep of the family and a source of constant embarrassment. Barely into his twenties, Stanislav left the family trading house and made his own way into the Bardic college, working in local taverns and keeping a dingy hole of a room in the Mermaid. He seems a good man, honest and sincere (which is most rare in his family), but his weakness for spirits have made him into a bit of a fool. He can often be found in a drunken stupor in any of the city taverns, blabbering about his hateful family and his beautiful mother’s horrid, untimely end.

    ((credits and 2000 XP to Rufus Benway))


  • The D’Arneau Family

    Family Crest:

    A rather plain knight – wearing helm and plume - with crossed arms holding an upright sword in each hand. One sword is silver, the other gold.

    History:

    Gavin D'Arneau is first of the family name to be noted in Peltarch history - shortly after the Guardian and Defender Act of 1098 when he was officially drafted from the town militia. A faithful Tormite, strong warrior, and competent healer, he fought valiantly in the Battle of Nars pass, eventually earning him rank and privilege amongst the Defenders.

    In 1107, he took as his wife Elaine Bennett, a distant cousin to the Makere family. As such the couple inherited a rather small portion of their holdings - primarily in trade routes and mercantile. Neither Gavin nor Elaine was by any means business minded, and they squandered much of their holdings for some time until their son Armand, who had received a much more refined education, was able to take over in 1129. This was quite a feat, as no D'Arneau children are given access to their family's wealth until they have proven themselves to be self-sufficient and just. He had done so at age 22.

    Tormite dogma and faith were passed down from father to son - and daughter - in a strict regimen along with each inheritance of the family's holdings. As many members of the D'Arneau household spent more time involved with the temple than in business, the family's wealth increased at an almost negligible rate, though they indeed maintained a somewhat 'lesser' status of nobility and lived in comfort.

    In time, many of the D'Arneau family became involved with law in the city of Peltarch due to their commitment to the Tormite faith. There have been five judges bearing the name D'Arneau since the conception of Peltarch's legal system.

    Though new blood in the late 1200s brought a great deal of wealth back to the family with impeccable mercantile managing, the D'Arneau family stayed out of the political forefront and chose to remain a quiet force of justice operating in the city's background.

    Present:

    Though the D'Arneau name has been thinned through an odd amount of daughters over the years, many of the family line still serve the city in any way they can - judges, lawyers, and legal clerks. Some are still active members of the Defenders to this day. Some thirty citizens of Peltarch hold blood relations to this family, though less than half of them can even be considered members of the upper class.

    Armand D'Arneau IV is the current acting head of the D'Arneau family and all of its assets. A retired Tormite priest, he raises his children rather strictly. Though an evangelical zealot in his early years, Armand IV has settled peacefully into the D'Arneau family residence and is seldom seen outside the pile of books on his study desk. His business warrants little notice from the great noble families of Peltarch.

    Adrian D’Arneau is Armand’s brother, and a retired lawyer of no particular fame. Adrian acted as a defense attorney, attempting to shield citizens from “letter-of-the-law” convictions, though Lady Aspera Chillwind frequently halted his endeavors. Though he is a bit of a lady’s man, has yet to take a wife.

    Armand’s wife Celeste is of no known noble birth and serves as a priestess in the Temple of Tyr. Overall she values even-handed justice and attempts to pass this on to her children at all costs, despite occasional dogmatic conflicts with her husband’s teachings.

    Shannon D'Arneau is Armand’s eldest son at age 23. A priest of Torm and yearning to qualify for candidacy amongst the Defenders like the D'Arneaus of old, he shows the most promise in fulfilling his father's wishes. Though he follows the dogma of Torm taught to him by his father, influences from his mother have clouded his mind with liberal intentions - fairness for all and most disturbingly, 'If the means are grey, then a noble end certainly justifies them.' He has high hopes to end corruption in the city of Peltarch, one way or another.

    Vincent D'Arneau was the second born son, now aged 19 years. The so-called black sheep of the family, he followed a love of music that took him to the Bardic College for a short time until his excellence in composing caught the ear of a noble from Waterdeep. Having left Peltarch and greatly disappointing the rest of his family, Vincent now makes a living as a court composer for a Waterdeep Trade Baron.

    Andrea D'Arneau is the family's youngest child at the age of only 12. Though her father is rigorously indoctrinating her to the Tormite faith, she seems to have a penchant for the arts much like her brother Vincent. This does not please Armand. Thusly, he has become overprotective of her to a fault. She seldom leaves the D'Arneau residence, but seems to be developing a rebelious streak.

    Annabelle Marcus is the sister of Armand and Adrian D’Arneau, married to Delanus Marcus of Damara. He is of no political note to Peltarch, but their children – David, Laura, and Sean – are heirs to a small portion of the estate.

    ((Credit and 2000 XP to Dorakhan))


  • The Daedelus Family of Peltarch

    The Daedelus family history grows in conjunction with and inseperable from the very growth of the city of Peltarch. In the early years of the city, somewhere near 840 DR, a humble stonemason arrived with his entire family to build the very first walls of the city. Many of which can still be seen crumbling in the nars or in the foothills of the Giantspire mountains.The humble stonemason, Mariado Daedelus, became famous for the strength, durability, and beautiful simplicity of his designs and work.

    As the city grew, the jobs and coin provided to Mariado did as well. His family grew as did his prominence within the city, and soon, he was not only a master stonemason, but also a property developer and construction magnate. His influence grew as he was responsible for the construction of the City Hall and the terraced gardens associated with it. After a brief stint on the senate, Mariado retired to his home viewed as a fair but stern and fiscally conservative supporter of the city and trade.

    The Daedelus family crest is a hammer and chisle crossed representing the profession of the stonemason on a shield of vert representing peace and loyalty per sinister with argent representing sincerity, the vert field contains the martlet noting Mariado Daedelus as the fourth son of the Daedelus family and the argent field contains the bee denoting efficient industry. The continental shield upon which the crest rests is crowned with a simple circlet denoting attained nobility with wealth.

    The family motto lies beneath the seal and reads:
    Astra inclinant, non necessitant - The stars incline; they do not determine

    The present Daedelus family is a quiet noble family. They employ the majority of the stonemasons that work on civic projects. Many of the city buildings bear the crest of the Daedelus family upon their cornerstone.

    No less than a hundred persons within the city can demonstrate direct ties by blood to the Daedelus family though the most notable of the family are described below:

    Norimar Daedelus - the current patriarch of the Daedelus family is nearing eighty winters in age. He was once a dashing beauty of a man who was very intelligent and did an excellent job of managing the family finances but never possessed the ability to craft stone like most of his family. His age has not dimmed his wit and he enjoys days filled with revels and good food and the company of his pet cat, Tinty. The business of the family has long since passed to the younger members, but Norimar is by far the most pleasant of the clan.

    Jesomar Daedelus - Jesomar is a robust man standing nearly as tall as any door frame. His large arms and broad chest are a testament to his commitment to the trade of the Daedelus family. He is still seen helping his men and directing projects from the site and not from the offices upon the Daedelus estate. He has slowed somewhat and his blonde hair is now streaked with the lightest shade of silver. He is known for a hearty laugh and for a generous spirit. Rumor holds that he was an adventurer of sorts in his younger days though he refuses to talk about it when pressed.

    Mary Alice Daedelus- Mary Alice Daedelus is of the city's lunch set. She is blonde, thin, and was once a great beauty though somewhat dimmed by her fifty years of age. She is the wife Jesomar Daedelus and grew up a member of Bravikus family until she married Jesomar at age seventeen. She is a snooty and somewhat aloof woman who enjoys the finer things in life. She rarely leaves the estate except to travel to the market with other nobles. She currently manages the family finances and is said to be the quiet driving force behind the successes of the family.

    Analise Daedelus- Named after the sister of Mary Alice Daedelus, young Analise Daedelus has many of the same cruel traits of her namesake. She never smiles and is often morose. Jesomar quietly hopes she will marry soon, leave home, and find a reson to smile. She is regarded by all who meet her to be lovely but cold and uninviting.
    She is nearly 28 winters old. Her mother worries she will become the spinster of the family and his currently seeking a betrothal from some of the other noble families of the city for her daughter.

    Moriarti Daedelus- Moriarti Daedelus is quiet, jovial, and good natured boy of seventeen winters. His frame is very much the same as his father Jesomar only young and taut not having the pressures of age upon it. He works daily with his father as he wants to learn the family business to be better able to be a fair and just manager of the business should his sister finally marry and his mother tire of the day to day management of a business. Moriarti is quite smitten with many of the young nobles of the city especially Arien Ashald, though she barely seems to have noticed him.

    Genuflectia Daedelus - Genuflectia is the spinster sister of Jesomar. She was rumored at one point to be a very potent spellcaster though no one can remember ever seeing her cast a single incantation. It is clear that she is boisterous and always looking for the next opportunity to engage in city gossip. She has had and ongoing daliance with Senator Gelon though few know this and none can prove it beyond whispers.

    ((Credit and 2000 XP to Arden_ChaseMoradin))


  • The St. Clair Estate

    Family Crest

    Two golden scepters lain crosswise over a white priestly miter, set upon a field of crimson.

    History

    Clair Vengenstad arrived in the fishing outpost of Peltarch sometime in the 900's DR, a fugitive from somewhere to the south, though she would never say where or why. Clair claimed to serve Tyr the Even-Handed, and by all accounts did so with bravery and valor. She rose quickly in rank among the troops of the legendary Fisher King Tidus, serving courageously in both the Giant Wars and the war with Hoarsgate. Clair was ultimately elevated to the status of High Battle-Priest in Peltarch's infant army, and was acclaimed throughout the land for her martial prowess and strength of conviction. She retired to a comfortable family life in Peltarch around age fifty. After her death, she was granted the honorary title of Clair Vengenstad, Saintly Servant of the Just One, by the Tyrran church.

    Clair's descendants were less pious than she was, and opted to capitalize on her fame for their own financial gain. The moment Clair posthumously received her title, her grandchildren promptly changed their surname to "St. Clair," supposedly in her honor. They used the growing prosperity of Peltarch to open a market of 'priestly' supplies, which included but were not limited to 'holy' vestments, 'sacred' foodstuffs, and 'blessed' ale. While much of their clientele saw through this business ploy, the St. Clairs enjoyed a huge degree of success nonetheless, and indeed monopolized the market on priestly clothing, becoming especially known for the ceremonial miter, which soon took its place in their family crest.

    Over the generations, the St. Clair estate grew in wealth and power through their trade, and, while they elected to stay out of politics, they soon became known as a staple in the Peltarch merchant nobility. A far cry indeed from their founder's pursuit of the good…

    The Present

    Cousins and the like included, today some two dozen individuals can claim blood ties to the St. Clair nobility. Several are more prominent than others.

    Hilda St. Clair: The eldest surviving member of the St. Clair brood, Hilda has become little more than a figurehead as old age has taken its toll. She was known for her ruthless business savvy and exquisite good looks in her younger years, but time has stolen both from her.

    Abigail St. Clair: Hilda's daughter and the acting St. Clair matriarch, Abigail is everything her mother once was. Although she has passed her fiftieth winter, Abigail still looks not a day over thirty. She and her husband Farnsworth have produced six children.

    Farnsworth St. Clair: Farnsworth is a weak-willed individual who fell in love with Abigail at a young age and ultimately devoted his entire existance to ensuring her happiness. This included abandoning his own last name when he got married, "for the good of the St. Clair estate."

    Franklin St. Clair: The eldest of Abigail and Farnsworth's children, Franklin seems the most likely candidate for becoming executor of the St. Clair estate after his parents are gone. He has completely followed in his family's footsteps by devoting his life to marketing, investment, and other devices through which to enrich himself. He is married with two young children.

    Jessica St. Clair: The eldest daughter of Abigail and Farnsworth, and second-oldest of their children, Jessica is beauty personified. While arrogant and vapid, her looks have long landed her a variety of stints as artistic and fashion models, which serve to generate a great deal of personal income.

    Frederick St. Clair: The youngest of Abigail and Farnsworth's children, Frederick was shipped off to Spellweaver Keep in Norwick to study magic for his family's benefit, whether he wanted to or not. Despite this, Frederick took a liking to magic and became not entirely unskilled. In exchange for their son's tutelage, Abigail (and to a lesser extent Farnsworth) agreed to pay for certain upkeep costs in the early days of the Keep.

    Abigail and Farnsworth's other children are Francesca, Norbert, and Rose St. Clair.

    ((Credit and 2000 XP to Evendur))